I realized when reading the following two questions in our Gospel Project lesson today that they lend well to a positive feedback loop in our lives:
“What role does hope play in our seeking to be faithful to God’s commands?
In what ways can we deepen ‘the roots’ of our hope in God’s promises?” (Winter 2012-13, p.111)
When hope is applied to our lives through the working of God’s Word we are enabled to keep His commands. The Holy Spirit is always enabling and He uses the truth. Keeping His commands will result in confidence and hope that God is active in our lives and the promises apply to us as we review God’s Word. It is a positive feedback loop in that each one increases the other and is life giving.
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Godly wisdom is rooted in the fear of God and bears foliage and fruit of godly living, contentment, and witness. Following are supporting Scriptures for the tree at the right:
0. James 1:5
1. Proverbs 1:7, Job 28:28, Matthew 10:28
2. Micah 6:9, Psalm 2:10-11
3. Job 12:12, Proverbs 3:1-2, 16:22
4. Song of Solomon 6:3, Proverbs 5:18
5. Job1:20-21, Proverbs 3:5-6
6. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, Psalm 73:17
7. I Corinthians 1:24,30, Ephesians 1:15-19
The following table contrasts the way of worldly foolishness
and the way of godly wisdom. Our lives as Christians should
exhibit God’s goodness by our wisdom gained from Him:
|
Contrast of
|
Worldly Foolishness
|
Godly Wisdom
|
|
Living
|
Selfish, destructive
|
Skill for living successfully
|
|
Path
|
Going your own way
|
Obey and seek God
|
|
Self
|
Be true to yourself
|
Renounce sin and self
|
|
Focus
|
Passion to please yourself
|
Passion for God and others
|
|
Restraint
|
Unrestrained passion
|
Directed, exclusive passion
|
|
Perspective
|
Blind optimism or pessimism
|
Sin is real; God is in control
|
|
Priorities
|
Survival, self-gratification
|
Fear God; obey His commands
|
|
Eternity
|
Can’t find it Eccl. 3:11
|
Trust in Christ->hope &evangelism
|
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